Google for Entrepreneurs comes to CoCo

Minneapolis, Feb. 20, 2013 – CoCo announced today that it will partner with Google to boost entrepreneurship in Minnesota.

Working with the Google for Entrepreneurs program, CoCo will host a two-year schedule of events, conferences and social mixers at its Minneapolis location – all with a focus on technology and startups.

Social and networking events for startup founders and mentors, including a mentor event for Minneapolis’ STEP-UP program.

Classes and educational sessions, including online-only sessions that will be available to entrepreneurs across the state.

The event series will make use of Google technology, including Google+ Hangouts, so that entrepreneurs from throughout Minnesota can participate in events remotely.

The first event, the Google Developer Group’s monthly meetup, is occurring on the evening Feb. 20 at CoCo. A full 2013 event schedule will be finalized and made public in the coming weeks.

The announcement was made on Feb. 20 at Google for Entrepreneurs Day, an all-day conference that was held at CoCo’s location at the Minneapolis Grain Exchange. The event was kicked off by U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar and Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak and featured talks and sessions led by visiting Google employees.

“This partnership with Google will allow us to continue to expand our mission of creating a robust community of individuals pursuing the work of their dreams,” said CoCo founding partner Kyle Coolbroth.

Through its Google for Entrepreneurs initiative, Google actively supports entrepreneurs in the United States and across the globe. “We believe entrepreneurship drives innovation and economic growth, and that vibrant communities. We see that happening in Minnesota and particularly at CoCo,” said John Lyman, Entrepreneurship Manager at Google.

“From 3M to Target to Medtronic, Minnesota has a long tradition of entrepreneurship and innovation,” Klobuchar said. “I am excited that Google has selected Minnesota and CoCo to participate in their entrepreneurs program and look forward to seeing the impact successful startups will have on local communities.”

The Google/CoCo partnership follows on the heels of Google’s support for the city’s STEP-UP summer jobs program. “We are excited to see Google deepen its investment in Minnesota,” said Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak. “Our entrepreneurs are world class and this partnership is a fantastic addition to our robust innovation ecosystem.”

About CoCo coworking and collaborative space
CoCo is a place where entrepreneurs, freelance professionals, small businesses and corporate workgroups can gather to share ideas, team up on projects and get work done. For our members, CoCo is an alternative to working from home or meeting at the local coffee shop. CoCo has locations in Lowertown St. Paul and in downtown Minneapolis, on the former trading floor of the Minneapolis Grain Exchange. More information: http://143.95.33.61/~cocomspc

About Google for Entrepreneurs
Google for Entrepreneurs has programs all over the world to foster entrepreneurship, empowering the next generation of innovators to be successful. More information: http://www.google.com/entrepreneurs